SGI anticipates excess of flood-related claims as snowmelt begins

Reminding homeowners of the dangers of snow-related flooding, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is hoping that this year will see slower snowmelt.

While seemingly innocuous, melting snow is a major problem for property owners; it not only causes significant water damage to homes if not properly dealt with, but can also lead to flooding – especially if most of the ice on a property begins to melt all at the same time.

SGI senior director of personal lines Kurtis Reeder warned that the pace of snowmelt will likely dictate whether or not insurers operating in the province will see an excess of flood-related claims.

“If there is increased temperature and the snow melts quite quickly, we could see that the city sewer system has a tough time dealing with all of that water and may back up into homes,” Reeder told Regina Leader-Post.

Homeowners are encouraged to remove as much snow as possible on their properties before the snowmelt gets worse. Raking snow off the roof, removing ice dams from eavestroughs and gutters, shoveling snow away from a home’s foundations, ensuring downspouts are a fair distance away from a property – all these can help in preventing flooding and water damage.

The installation of a sewer backwater valve is also handy, as it prevents sewer water from flowing back out. While newer homes typically have them, older properties might not.

Reeder added that SGI provides policyholders a premium discount if their homes have a backwater valve.

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